Boy, can these folks handle their boats, or what?

South Whidbey sailors brought home honors in the Pelican Viking Fleet III championships at the Oak Harbor marina on April 2.

Ten skippers and their crews from western Washington vied for the “A” and “B” fleet titles. Following Pelican fleet tradition, skippers sailed their own boats in the first race, and then rotated through the other boats in their class for the four remaining races.

Crews from the South Whidbey Yacht Club placed third in the “A” fleet and second and fourth in the “B” fleet.

The Pelican is a 12-foot wooden one-design sailboat designed for a skipper and one crew person. The Island County Pelican fleet races all year, and many owners use their boats for camp cruising in the summer.

The Pelican is an ideal boat for junior and adult sailing programs. The boat is safe for beginners, but challenging enough for more experienced sailors.

The yacht club sponsors summer sailing classes for adults through Bayview Senior Services and young people through South Whidbey Parks & Recreation.

Call Bob Rodgers at 360-222-3063 for more information.